-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Jakarta has always had a rich and fruitful relationship with the sea . A trade gateway linking east and west , the modern city can still show travelers glimpses of its long maritime history .

Now the Indonesian capital , it was initially settled as the port of Sunda Kelapa by the Hindu Kingdom of Sunda around the fifth century and was designed to develop a vibrant sea trade for the realm .

The `` coconut of Sunda '' -LRB- the port 's name translated from Sundanese -RRB- soon flourished and attracted the attention of other maritime-invested nations including the Portuguese , Dutch and British . To this day , you can still see the influence of the Dutch colonialists in the architecture of many of the buildings in the old city .

Today , Indonesia is an independent republic that has become a melting pot of cultures and people . Nicknamed by travelers as the `` Big Durian '' -LRB- a pungent-smelling but sweet-tasting local fruit -RRB- , the modern metropolis of Jakarta is a swelteringly smoggy city bursting at the seams with people .

Watch : Jakarta 's maritime history

Its moniker is probably a good description of the city . It may not be everyone 's idea of a typical vacation spot -- some portions of the city are grungy , dilapidated streets with scruffy slums . But underneath the seemingly overpopulated , polluted exterior lies a vibrant city rich in history and eclectic tourism options . Here are our top picks for tourists wanting to sample Jakarta 's maritime heritage .

Often missed by vacationers , the historic harbor of Sunda Kelapa sits at the mouth of the Ciliwung River . The original settlement is a fantastic insight into the city 's history and is home to what is said to be the world 's last wind-powered seafaring trade fleet .

Walk amongst the traditional pinisi ships -- simple but sturdy wooden vessels -- that once provided trade from Indonesia to Europe and Africa . Climb up Syahbandar Tower and gaze upon the beautiful views from the top .

Literally meaning `` Fish Market '' in Bahasa Indonesia -LRB- the country 's native tongue -RRB- , Pasar Ikan sits at the end of Sunda Kelapa harbor . Although the market now sells all types of wares , Indonesian fishermen still gather here daily to sell their catch . The best time to visit and join locals purchasing the best goods is in the morning before it gets too hot and the smell of fish becomes overwhelming .

In numbers : The world 's shipping industry

Nearby , you can also see traditional kampung houses -LRB- dwellings on stilts -RRB- where local families live . Do n't be shy and say hello to the incredibly friendly and welcoming folks that reside next to the market .

A short distance from Pasar Ikan are several repurposed Dutch East India Company warehouses , which now operate as Museum Bahari . Today , the museum lets you step back in time through the country 's nautical past and emphasizes how important the sea still is to the economy of present-day Indonesia .

On display are beautifully decorated fishing boats and pinisi schooners as well as shipbuilding tools and explanations of Indonesian folklore and maritime traditions .

Steering away from the old harbor , visit the Kota Tua -LRB- Old Batavia -RRB- area . In the 16th century , the Dutch settled in Indonesia -- renaming Jakarta `` Batavia '' -- after seeing a high demand for the country 's spices . It is in the popular Kota district that tourists can see the influence left by Indonesia 's former colonists .

The buildings surrounding Fatahillah Square have distinct Dutch facades and architectural elements . Stroll down roads lined with stalls , street acts and tourists to visit the Jakarta History Museum , Wayang -LRB- Puppet -RRB- Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics .

Outside the Jakarta Historical Museum sits Si Jagur -- a disused Portuguese cannon that is believed to bring fertility to women who touch it . And a few blocks west of Fatahillah Square is the Great Canal , with its historical Dutch drawbridge , Jembatan Pasar Ayam , rising over the waterway . No longer operational , in the past the drawbridge was built to connect the Dutch and British forts stationed on each side of the canal .

Finally , end your visit to Jakarta by visiting the National Monument -LRB- known locally as `` Monas '' -RRB- in the center of Merdeka Square . It was erected in the 1960s as a tribute to Indonesian independence and today stands as a reminder of Jakarta 's vibrant and multicultural history .

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Jakarta boasts a vibrant maritime history because of its location along the spice route

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Travelers can get a taste of Jakarta 's nautical past

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Indonesia is a melting pot of cultures and people